| | Dow-Key Models
Note: There are no known designations
for Dow-Keys other than the Universal Model. The following names have been
arbitrarily assigned because of their similarity to Vibroplex models.
Click the thumbnail photos for larger views.
Universal (Rotary)
Universal Deluxe |
![dk1051b.jpg (152624 bytes)](dk1051b_small1.jpg) |
The Universal Deluxe has a chrome base and red
paddles. Many of the Universals are found in their original
wooden shipping boxes. (KN6W collection). |
Universal, Pivoting damper |
![dow1a.jpg (179274 bytes)](dow1a_small.jpg) |
This is the first version of the Universal.
Note that the damper pivots with the
rest of the mechanism. (W4OI collection) |
Universal Standard |
![gryrot.jpg (74012 bytes)](gryrot_small.jpg) |
Platinum gray or gold wrinkle base, chrome parts. |
Universal Gold |
![dowgold.jpg (190924 bytes)](dowgold_small.jpg) |
Gold. Single post and rod with red knob damper. |
"Bent" Dow
Black base |
![bentdow.jpg (35460 bytes)](bentdow_small.jpg) |
The so-called "Bent Dow" was designed by Paul Dow
to meet a perceived need for a more ergonomic angle for keying.
It is almost certain that the bent model preceded the
Universal. Photo courtesy of Neal McEwen |
Chrome base |
![bentfram.jpg (48451 bytes)](bentfram_small.jpg) |
Photo courtesy of Russ Kleinman. Photo
of label. |
Brass |
![](Bent%206022_small.jpg) |
Photo courtesy of Martin Odenbach. |
Junior Model
Junior Chrome
|
|
Chrome ferrous base.
2 7/8" X 6". Upper parts non-ferrous. Flat topped
binding nuts. Swinging arm type damper. Label
states "DOW-KEY, MFD. By Paul P. Dow, Winnipeg". Label
pinned in upper left and lower right corners. Five
sided paddle. (N7CFO collection) |
Original Model (Winnipeg address) There were several variations
of this key. Most seem to have had the "goal post" damper, but
other variations had a vertical post with a disc in the top or a vertical post
with a horizontal screw with a plastic knob on the end..
Original Black |
![dow2.jpg (67615 bytes)](dow2_small.jpg) |
Black. Goal post damper. Bullet shaped
paddle. Slotted "wadcutter" binding posts. (N7CFO
collection) Painted
label. |
Original Chrome |
![chrmorg.jpg (41788 bytes)](chrmorg_small.jpg) |
Chrome. Goal post damper. Note goal post style
damper and "Wadcutter" binding posts. |
Original Blue |
![bluedow.jpg (182323 bytes)](bluedow_small.jpg) |
Blue base, Single post and disc damper. (W4OI
collection) |
Original, Green |
![grndow.jpg (77751 bytes)](grndow_small.jpg) |
Green base. Single post and disc damper.
Winnipeg address. (K8MFO collection) Close-up
of damper. Close up of label. |
Original variation |
![Dowhole.jpg (58674 bytes)](Dowhole_small.jpg) |
This is a variation - it has the "Hole in the
Wall" frame. (WA5Y Collection) |
KEY-municator straight key
![kcator2.JPG (65122 bytes)](kcator2_small.JPG)
![Kcator4.JPG (242193 bytes)](Kcator4_small.JPG)
![kcator3.JPG (83086 bytes)](kcator3_small.JPG)
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This was a hollow based key with a black crackle finish.
The oscillator was contained in the base. It was advertised from
December 1960 through May of 1962.
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Dow boxes (Thanks to Wayne Blenkhorn,
VE1BAB!)
![](Box3_small.jpg)
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